Hebrews
See how Jesus is greater than the angels, Moses, and the old priesthood, and why his once-for-all sacrifice calls believers to hold fast in faith.
13 chapters · read each one, then take its quiz
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Sign in to start- 1Hebrews 1: The Son Superior to Angels
God, who spoke through the prophets, has now spoken by his Son, whom he made heir of everything, who shines with God's glory, cleansed sins, and took his seat beside God. Quoting the Psalms and other Scriptures, the author shows the Son is far greater than the angels.
- 2Hebrews 2: Such a Great Salvation
Readers must not drift from the message of such a great salvation. Jesus became lower than the angels for a time so that he could suffer death for everyone, destroy the devil's power, and become a merciful high priest who helps those being tested.
- 3Hebrews 3: Jesus Greater Than Moses
Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses, as a son over God's house is greater than a servant in it. Recalling Israel's rebellion in the wilderness, the author warns readers not to harden their hearts through unbelief but to encourage one another daily.
- 4Hebrews 4: The Sabbath Rest and Our Great High Priest
God's promised rest still remains for his people, so readers must strive to enter it rather than fall through unbelief. God's word is living and sharper than any sword, and believers can approach the throne of grace boldly through Jesus, who was tempted yet without sin.
- 5Hebrews 5: A High Priest After Melchizedek
Every high priest is appointed by God to offer sacrifices for sins, and Christ was appointed by God as a priest in the order of Melchizedek, learning obedience through suffering. The author then rebukes his readers for remaining immature and needing milk rather than solid food.
- 6Hebrews 6: Warning and the Sure Hope of God's Promise
The author urges readers to go on to maturity and warns that those who fall away after tasting heavenly gifts cannot be restored. Yet he is confident of better things for them, and God's unchangeable promise and oath give believers a sure anchor for the soul.
- 7Hebrews 7: Melchizedek and Christ's Priesthood
Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, received tithes from Abraham and foreshadows Christ. Because the Levitical priesthood could not bring perfection, Jesus has become a permanent priest by God's oath, who lives forever to plead for his people and saves them fully.
- 8Hebrews 8: The Better Covenant
Christ serves as high priest in the true tabernacle in heaven and mediates a better covenant based on better promises. Quoting Jeremiah, the author shows that God promised a new covenant, writing his laws on hearts and forgiving sins, which makes the first covenant obsolete.
- 9Hebrews 9: The Blood of Christ
The earthly tabernacle and its repeated sacrifices could not cleanse the conscience. Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary a single time with his own blood, securing eternal redemption, since forgiveness requires shed blood, and he will return.
- 10Hebrews 10: Once for All and Hold Fast
The Law's sacrifices could never take away sins, but Christ's single offering has perfected those being sanctified. Believers can therefore draw near with confidence, hold fast their hope, and meet together, but deliberate sin after knowing the truth brings fearful judgment.
- 11Hebrews 11: The Hall of Faith
The author describes faith as confident trust in what God has promised but not yet shown. He then recounts the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, and many others who trusted God, some through victory and some through suffering.
- 12Hebrews 12: Run the Race and the Lord's Discipline
Surrounded by witnesses, believers must run with endurance, looking to Jesus. God disciplines his children for their good. The author warns against rejecting grace, like Esau, and contrasts terrifying Mount Sinai with Mount Zion and the kingdom that cannot be shaken.
- 13Hebrews 13: Final Exhortations
The author urges brotherly love, hospitality, marital faithfulness, and contentment, since Jesus Christ never changes. Believers should go to him outside the camp, offer sacrifices of praise and good works, obey their leaders, and pray, and he closes with a blessing.